In her farewell address as Headmistress of Haberdashers Monmouth School for Girls Dr Brenda Despontin reported on the school's many achievements and successes, as well as refecting on the highlights of her 11 years of stewardship. "The memories are manifold. When I arrived, the young women now in their final year here were sitting where Year Three are today, and they have shared this eleven year journey with me, said Dr Despontin. "What a wonderful voyage it has been for us, girls, and I hope you agree that the months steering to our last port of call have been as exciting and rewarding as all that went before," she said. "I have enjoyed 11 May Balls, 11 Charity Days with their sixth form reviews and those scarily accurate send-ups of the Headmistress. I've judged 11 Christmas decoration competitions in School House dorms, been to 77 parents' evenings, 66 governors' meetings and Chaired 11 Bards at the annual eisteddfods. I've signed around 7000 reports, held around 300 staff briefings, and, as the expanding waistline confirms, I've enjoyed somewhere in the region of 1800 school lunches. "But let me begin with some comments on this year. The results of last summer were particularly pleasing. At A level, the pass rate was 100%, with 74.7% graded A-B. 26 girls gained at least 3 A grades. At GCSE, the girls gained 98.9% A*-C grades, with a truly impressive 71.4% of all examinations sat awarded an A*or A grade. 10 girls gained at least 9 A*s, and a further 5 at least 10 A grades. "These are impressive results, but well-deserved by girls whose determination and effort are unwavering," said Dr Despontin. Equally impressive were the school's unforgettable successes outside the classroom during the year - on the sports field, in music, drama, public speaking and schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Young Enterprise.. Describing the charity work by the girls and staff at HMSG as nothing short of extraordinary, Dr Despontin said the "Children in Need" concerts in the autumn raised £4000 in one evening, and this year – "a pretty typical year for fundraising - we have raised in the region of £10,000 for a wide range of charities, bringing the sum raised during the last 10 years to around £115,000. "I am proud of the girls' efforts, and grateful for the essential support of the staff and parents. "So, a good year, but then, they have all been good years since 1997, with many highlights. "How can I ever forget the two visits by Prince Edward, for example, the first only a few weeks after my arrival, and the drinks reception with him the night before on HMS Britannia in Cardiff dock on its final voyage around the UK? How could I ever forget saying farewell to the last Millennium at HMSG, or the visit here for 6 weeks by Mrs Akorimo, the then head of Lwala School, one of our special Millennium projects? Nor will I forget the rowers' win in Henley in 2000, or "Annie", or "The King and I". I shall remember Publication dinners at the Hall and the secret planning for those Boy Band visits! And of course there have been the new developments - Hamersley Hall, classroom extensions to Gilbert Inglefield House, an all-weather pitch and the Wessex House building with its covered street leading to that splendid Atrium. "I particularly enjoyed the TV film made when Willows school came to visit and when our girls went back to them, and have indelible memories of my ride in a military helicopter in ghastly weather to a wild Yorkshire moor to see the CCF girls and boys in action. "I shall cherish always the memory of HMSG girls assisting so magnificently at the GSA Conference during the year of my PresidencyI shall cherish always the memory of HMSG girls assisting so magnificently at the GSA Conference during the year of my Presidency – the choir sang, Jazz crusaders played, the senior prefects introduced guest speakers there, and Jemima Philips, old girl and Royal Harpist, played the harp at the dinner. It was very special, and showcased some of the magnificent, frequently humbling talent of the girls in this school. "I shall also hold dear the memory of that reunion of old girls held in this marquee last May on the day after Speech day when 200 returned aged 20-90. Their tales of where the journey which started here has now taken them were astonishing: they are vets in Africa, business tycoons in Europe, associate members of Goldman Sachs, teachers, engineers, television presenters, lawyers, actresses, wives, mothers, friends – but they remain Habs girls all, still passionate about this school and how it shaped their life. "Occasions such as that reunion remind us that school days hold so many shared memories for pupils and staff, shared experiences of a common culture. But those memories are only possible because of the staff who provide the opportunities, who inspire with their own passion for their subject, who nurture talent and hone the skills.. "It is time to say goodbye – well, almost – and I am grateful for the Chamber Choir singing a special favourite of mine to close today's programme. "
